Puppy & Kitten Care

Newly adopted puppies and kittens should visit River Oaks Animal Hospital in Houston for a complete physical examination as soon as possible. The first step is to screen for fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites or any other health problems to ensure that your new family member is healthy and that disease is not transmitted to other animals or humans in your household. Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to parasitic infections that can threaten their health. Proper screening and preventive products can help protect them against intestinal worms, fleas and heartworm disease.

Juvenile pets also have immature immune systems which makes it difficult to fight off disease. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, vaccinations are the most effective preventive measure you can take for the health of your pet.

A visit to your veterinarian is imperative if you notice any of the following:

Unexplained weight loss

Excessive drinking and / or urination

Loss of appetite or lethargy

Behavior changes

Diarrhea or vomiting

Skin lumps, bumps or irritation

Bad breath, plaque on teeth or bleeding gums

Ear odors, redness, scratching or head shaking

Trouble urinating or defecating

Important Animal Vaccines

Some of the most important vaccines for your young pet include:

Dogs

Rabies

Canine Distemper

Canine Parvovirus

Canine Bordetella

Cats

Feline Distemper

Feline Rhinotracheitis/Feline Calicivirus

Feline Leukemia Virus

Rabies

Additional vaccines may be necessary based on lifestyle (indoor or outdoor pet) and regional considerations. Finally, puppies and kittens are in a high growth stage therefore they require specially formulated food to meet their nutritional needs. Talk to your veterinarian at River Oaks Animal Hospital about the best food for your pet.